Congress hails 'Dalit anthem' from new film Shudra: The Rising as it bids for 2014 votes

PL Punia, the Congress's Dalit face in UP, released the song in New Delhi

The Congress is invoking Dalit pride in its efforts to woo the community in the build-up to the 2014 general elections.

The party's Dalit face, P.L. Punia, chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, released the 'Dalit anthem' in the Capital on Monday.

The anthem Jai Jai Bhim, which is dedicated to Dr B.R. Ambedkar, is a song from the upcoming film Shudra: The Rising.

Speaking at the event, Punia hit out at the religious beliefs underpinning the caste structure in a manner that was uncharacteristically bold for a Congress leader.

"Religion is for man and not the other way around… Religion is making animals out of people," he said, invoking Ambedkar's critique of Hindu religion.

It was Punia's idea to bestow Jai Jai Bhim with the title of 'Dalit Anthem'. He said that besides being a fitting tribute to Ambedkar, the anthem would help instill a sense of self pride among Dalits and drive them to fight for their rights.

The anthem chronicles the life of Ambedkar - from his birth in 1891 and his childhood to the conversion of Dalits to Buddhism that he had inspired.

Unexpected boost: 'Anthem' Jai Jai Bhim features in upcoming film Shudra: The Rising

"Caste is the most fundamental fissure in our society. It has become ingrained in people's psyche. It has to be uprooted from their minds," Sanjiv Jaiswal, the director of the film, said.

The film has been facing criticism
for allegedly "showing Hindu religion in poor light". Many groups have
demanded a ban on the film, and the director's effigy was set on fire in
Agra.

"If people have
been provoked by the film... It indicates that deep within, they
acknowledge that their ancestors had perpetuate a highly exploitative
system," Jaiswal said.

However, the government is unlikely to
accept the demands for a ban, given the fact that Punia, who holds the
rank of a cabinet minister, released the film's music on Monday. In
fact, Punia has promised to pressure the government to give tax
exemption to the film.